Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, Keeneland begins its 16-day spring
race meeting on Friday in Lexington, Kentucky. Racing will take place each day
through April 29, with Mondays and Tuesdays dark. Post time is 1:15 p.m. (EDT).
The picturesque track, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in
1986, will offer at least one stakes race a day, beginning with the $100,000
Transylvania S. (G3). DUBLEO (Southern Halo), who is a neck shy of being
undefeated in five turf starts, should go postward as the favorite for trainer
Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez in the one-mile grass event. Other
contenders include CHATTAHOOCHEE WAR (War Chant), winner of the Hill Rise S. at
Santa Anita, and REY DE CAFE (Kingmambo), who defeated Dubleo in the Bourbon
County S. over this course last fall. The Transylvania is named after the local university,
which is designated as the oldest college west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Overall, the meet will feature 19 stakes races — 15 of them graded — worth
$4,125,000, which is $350,000 more than last year. Of those races,
nine will be run on the main track, nine on the turf, and one — the $150,000 Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings S. (NSA-G1)
on April 22 — over hurdles.
On Saturday, three-year-old fillies will parade to the post for the $500,000
Ashland S. (G1). The 1 1/16-mile test serves as an important stepping stone to
the May 6 Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. SIS CITY (Slew City Slew), who
rolled to a 16-length victory in the Davona Dale S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park in
her seasonal debut, could be favored in what is expected to be a terrific
renewal of the Ashland.
As usual, the highlight of the meet will be the $750,000 Blue Grass
S. (G1) for three-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on April 16. Since the track’s inception in 1936,
18 horses have run in the Blue Grass and then gone on to win the Kentucky Derby
(G1). During one 14-year period — from 1959 to 1972 — the race produced nine winners of the Kentucky
Derby. Last year’s Blue Grass runner-up, Lion Heart, finished second in the
Derby.
Scheduled two weeks before the Run for the Roses on April 23, the $325,000
Lexington S. (G2) for three-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles has become an increasingly
important prep race for the Triple Crown. For example, Charismatic, who won the
Lexington in 1999, went on to win the Derby and Preakness S. (G1) before running
third in the Belmont S. (G1).
Other major stakes races include next Thursday’s $250,000 Beaumont S. (G2) for three-year-old
fillies over the Beard Course, the $250,000 Maker’s Mark Mile S.
(G2) for older horses at one mile on the turf on April 15, and the $400,000
Commonwealth Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) for three-year-olds and upward at seven
furlongs on Blue Grass Day.
Next Wednesday’s $200,000 Madison S. has been elevated to Grade 3 status for 2005.
Last year’s Ashland heroine, MADCAP ESCAPADE (Hennessy), is expected to run in the
seven-furlong event for older fillies and mares.
Every Saturday during the meet, Keeneland will host “Breakfast with the
Works” from 7-8:30 a.m. followed by a presentation in the paddock at 8:45. Hall
of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey is scheduled to be the featured speaker on April 23.
Other special events and promotions include:
“College Day” on opening day. College students who present a valid college ID
will receive free admission and be eligible for random drawings to win a $1,000
college scholarship following each race.
“Maker’s Mark Day” on April 14. Maker’s Mark President Bill Samuels, Hall of
Fame jockey Steve Cauthen and Keeneland President Nick Nicholson will sign this
year’s commemorative bottles of Kentucky bourbon.
“Hats Off to Keeneland” contest on April 22. The grand prize winner will win
airfare and hotel accommodations for two to New York City.
“Working Women’s Wednesday.” Every Wednesday the “ladies day out”
features
special reserved seating packages, a handicapping seminar and drink special,
followed by Happy Hour at Harry’s Restaurant.
“Thousand Dollar Thursday.” Every Thursday Keeneland will give away
five $1,000 betting vouchers via random drawings.